"Ladies and Gentlemen, with your assistance I shall endeavor to give you
a demonstration of practical Mind Reading, beginning with some simple
feats, and then proceeding gradually to more complicated demonstrations.
In these demonstrations, I must have your co-operation, for the success
of the experiments depends as much upon you as upon myself. In the first
place, I must ask that you refrain from conversation, laughter, etc.,
while I am demonstrating, for these things distract the mind of the
Transmitter and prevent him from concentrating his Mind and Will upon
mine; and also prevent me from maintaining that Passive Mental State
which is essential to the success of the experiments. I trust that you
will help me in this way. I also ask that during the experiments, you
will all concentrate your Mind and Will upon me, and help me in the
work. In order to obtain the best results all Mind Readers prefer that
their audiences concentrate their Wills upon the work, with the purpose
of mentally willing that the demonstrator be successful. In fact the
success of the experiments depend very materially upon the _Willing_
exerted by the audience. If you Will in my favor, I shall be successful;
if you Will that I shall fail, I shall feel the effect. Therefore,
kindly give me your aid. I ask you to blindfold me and take such other
means to prevent unfair methods and practices, as your judgment may
dictate. I am now ready to proceed with the tests."